The electricity required for the electrolysis process is provided by an on-site wind turbine installation.
HLB offers a highly innovative test infrastructure that allows scientists to investigate the interaction between a wind turbine facility and an electrolyzer under real-life conditions. PEM electrolysis is ideal for this as this technology can deal particularly well with fluctuating energy sources such as wind energy.
The integration of renewable energy sources into electricity generation presents significant challenges for existing electricity networks, which were previously geared towards the operation of centralized large-scale producers. A promising way to enhance the security of supply in decentralized power grids is to produce green hydrogen. This process can significantly optimize the smoothing out of peaks in supply and demand by generating hydrogen and subsequently converting it back into electricity.
A key focus of the research work carried out at HLB is on the deep cross-sector integration of electrolysis, which includes the use of by-products as well as the utilization of reconversion technologies for off-grid and grid-supporting applications. These studies contribute to integrating hydrogen technologies into the national and international energy and economic system, accelerating the production of green hydrogen.
In addition to the PEM electrolyzer from H-TEC SYSTEMS, the project will include other test components, including a hydrogen cogeneration plant, a fuel cell for converting the hydrogen produced back into electricity, four trailer filling stations and hydrogen delivery stations, three compressors and three high-pressure storage units. The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Federal State of Bremen with €16 million.
Dr. David Wenger, Managing Director of Wenger Engineering, commented: “The Hydrogen Lab Bremerhaven is an essential element for the research and further development of large electrolyzers and fuel cells. As general contractor and planner, we are very pleased that the collaboration between Wenger Engineering and H-TEC SYSTEMS went smoothly and are looking forward to seeing the research results from this worldwide unique test environment.”
Robin v. Plettenberg, CEO of H-TEC SYSTEMS, added: “The hydrogen infrastructure project at the Hydrogen Lab Bremerhaven will make a significant contribution to the development and integration of hydrogen technology and further advance the vision of a low-carbon future. The successful commissioning of our electrolyzer marks a decisive step towards the realization of a sustainable hydrogen economy. We are delighted about being part of this exciting project.”
